Inspiratory stridor and dysphagia in two newborn infants caused by ectopic thymus tissue

Eur J Pediatr. 2009 Sep;168(9):1141-5. doi: 10.1007/s00431-008-0887-7. Epub 2008 Dec 23.

Abstract

We report two cases of ectopic cervical thymus, a solid thymic lesion, and a thymus cyst causing inspiratory stridor and mild dysphagia in the neonatal period. Because of the rarity of thymic dystopia, the two masses were initially misdiagnosed as more common entities, namely, lymph node enlargement and lymphangioma, respectively. The correct diagnosis was made only after surgical excision and histopathological examination. This case report is completed by a short review of embryogenic development, diagnostic procedures with differential diagnoses, and therapeutic outcome of ectopic thymus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Choristoma / pathology*
  • Choristoma / surgery
  • Deglutition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / pathology
  • Lymphangioma, Cystic / surgery
  • Male
  • Respiratory Sounds / physiopathology*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / surgery